Ruben Amorim insists he has no hard feelings towards Manchester United after coming up against his former club for the first time since his departure.
The Portuguese manager faced United with AC Milan in their final pre-season friendly, with the Italian side coming from behind twice to win 4-2 in Wroclaw. It was Amorim’s first meeting with the club since being dismissed in January.
Manchester United had plenty of lessons from the defeat as Ruben Amorim defeated his former team.
Despite the history between the two sides, Ruben Amorim played down the personal significance of the occasion.
“For me it was a normal game,” Amorim said after the final whistle.
Ruben Amorim still has love for Manchester United
Amorim made it clear that his feelings towards United have not changed despite the way his time at Old Trafford ended.
The former Manchester United head coach spent only a short period in charge before being removed from his position. However, he insists there is no bitterness as he begins a new chapter in Italy.
“I haven’t felt anything for Manchester United since joining Milan. I’m proud to have been at Manchester United and I still love the club, but I don’t feel anything negative about anything after signing with Milan because I’m very happy and in the place I want to be.”
Rather than focusing on his former club, the Milan boss was more interested in getting his new team ready for the season ahead.
The result also gave his players a lift heading into the new campaign. Milan twice recovered from going behind before turning the match around late on.
Ruben Amorim wanted positive Milan finish
While Amorim admitted the meeting with United was special, his priority was always getting a result for his current club.
The Milan manager wanted his side to finish pre-season on a high and give supporters something positive to take into the opening league game.
“Of course, it was special to be back playing against them, but I wanted to win a pre-season match to set us up well for the league, to leave the fans with a positive image so that they want to support us in the first game.”
For the Portuguese coach, though, the past is now behind him.
He may still have affection for Manchester United, but there is no suggestion he wants to dwell on what happened at Old Trafford. Amorim is happy at Milan and believes he is exactly where he wants to be.
